scholarly journals It is time to mobilize suicide prevention for sexual and gender minorities in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
pp. 737-742
Author(s):  
Olivier Ferlatte ◽  
Travis Salway ◽  
John L. Oliffe ◽  
Elizabeth M. Saewyc ◽  
Cindy Holmes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minorities ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

Abstract Suicide is a significant health issue among sexual and gender minority adults (SGMA); yet, there are no tailored suicide prevention programs for these marginalized populations in Canada. We hosted two world cafés with community leaders, health professionals, policymakers, and researchers to identify recommendations for mobilizing SGMA-focused suicide prevention programs. We identified five priorities: (1) make society safer for sexual and gender minorities; (2) decrease barriers to mental health services; (3) support community-driven and community-based interventions; (4) increase suicide knowledge and reduce stigma; (5) expand the knowledge base on SGMA suicide. In the absence of a national Canadian SGMA suicide prevention policy, these priorities provide a starting point in addressing SGMA suicide inequities by advancing SGMA-tailored interventions.

A model of suicide prevention and intervention for rural areas

1989 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25
Author(s):  
James B. Gray ◽  
Geneva Cannon
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Prevention And Intervention ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

The increase of suicide in younger populations has forced communities to develop prevention and intervention programs. A systems theory approach to the development of community based suicide prevention programs is reviewed in this paper. The model employs three levels: awareness, intervention, and postvention. Program results are reported and the feasibility of utilizing the model in rural and isolated settings is discussed.

Suicide Prevention Programs

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S99-S124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Platt ◽  
Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Tall Buildings ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Supportive Evidence ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

Abstract. This chapter presents a narrative synthesis of the evidence relating to the effectiveness of 13 different approaches (interventions) that have been incorporated into national suicide prevention programs. These approaches are presented in an analytic framework that distinguishes between national and community-based multilevel programs, prevention, and treatment/maintenance. The primary source of evidence are six reviews of reviews published since 2005, supplemented by a small number of systematic reviews and primary studies. We report strongly supportive evidence concerning the effectiveness of structural interventions (restrictions on access to bridges, tall buildings, and railways) and restriction on access to pharmacological agents. Weakly supportive evidence of effectiveness is available for community-based multilevel programs; restrictions on access to firearms and ligature points in institutional settings; settings-based programs (in schools, communities, workplaces, prisons, and the armed forces); education and training targeted at primary care physicians; lithium; cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy; and brief contact. There is insufficient or conflicting evidence concerning the effectiveness of the remaining approaches. We conclude that the evidence base for effective suicide prevention is far from convincing. Major improvement in the extent and quality of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners and a considerable increase in funding for evaluation studies in suicide prevention are required if the current knowledge gap about effective interventions is to be bridged.

Sexual and Gender Minorities' Readiness and Interest in Supporting Peers Experiencing Suicide-Related Behaviors

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Ferlatte ◽  
Travis Salway ◽  
John L. Oliffe ◽  
Hannah Kia ◽  
Simon Rice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minorities ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Gatekeeper Training ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Nonprobability Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
And Gender

Abstract. Background: Gatekeeper training is a widely recommended suicide prevention intervention that encourages the development of knowledge and the identification and support of those at risk of suicide. Yet, this strategy has not been implemented among sexual and gender minorities (SGM), a group at high risk of suicide. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the readiness and interest of SGM in supporting peers experiencing suicide-related behaviors. Method: We analyzed data from an online cross-sectional survey of Canadian SGM ( n = 2778). Results: In total, 90% of participants had ≥1 SGM peer with depression, and 73% had ≥1 SGM peer who had previously attempted suicide; 74% said they knew what to do to support a peer experiencing suicide risk, and 77% indicated they knew where to refer them. Furthermore, 94% were interested in learning how to recognize signs of suicidality, while 95% were interested in learning skills to support a peer struggling with suicidality and 81% of those indicated a preference to learn these skills online. Limitations: The study used a nonprobability sample and cross-sectional design. Conclusion: SGM are largely interested in learning suicide prevention skills and, as such, more resources are needed to implement and scale up evidence-based approaches for gatekeeper training among SGM.

scholarly journals Sustaining suicide prevention programs in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and Tribal health centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 263348952110570
Author(s):  
E.E. Haroz ◽  
L. Wexler ◽  
S.M. Manson ◽  
M. Cwik ◽  
V.M. O’Keefe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
American Indian ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs

Background: Research on sustaining community-based interventions is limited. This is particularly true for suicide prevention programs and in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) settings. Aiming to inform research in this area, this paper sought to identify factors and strategies that are key to sustain suicide prevention efforts in AIAN communities. Methods: We used a modified Nominal Group Technique with a purposeful sample of N = 35 suicide prevention research experts, program implementors and AIAN community leaders to develop a list of prioritized factors and sustainability strategies. We then compared this list with the Public Health Program Capacity for Sustainability Framework (PHPCSF) to examine the extent the factors identified aligned with the existing literature. Results: Major factors identified included cultural fit of intervention approaches, buy in from local communities, importance of leadership and policy making, and demonstrated program success. Strategies to promote these factors included partnership building, continuous growth of leadership, policy development, and ongoing strategic planning and advocacy. All domains of the PHPCF were representative, but additional factors and strategies were identified that emerged as important in AIAN settings. Conclusions: Sustaining effective and culturally informed suicide prevention efforts is of paramount importance to prevent suicide and save lives. Future research will focus on generating empirical evidence of these strategies and their effectiveness at promoting program sustainability in AIAN communities.

The Impact of Universal Suicide-Prevention Programs on the Help-Seeking Attitudes and Behaviors of Youths

Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Klimes-Dougan ◽  
David A. Klingbeil ◽  
Sarah J. Meller
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Universal Prevention ◽  
Help Seeking Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs ◽  
The Impact

Background: While the ultimate goal of adolescent suicide-prevention efforts is to decrease the incidence of death by suicide, a critical intermediary goal is directing youths toward effective sources of assistance. Aim: To comprehensively review the universal prevention literature and examine the effects of universal prevention programs on student’s attitudes and behaviors related to help-seeking. Method: We systematically reviewed studies that assessed help-seeking outcomes including prevention efforts utilizing (1) psychoeducational curricula, (2) gatekeeper training, and (3) public service messaging directed at youths. Of the studies reviewed, 17 studies evaluated the help-seeking outcomes. These studies were identified through a range of sources (e.g., searching online databases, examining references of published articles on suicide prevention). Results: The results of this review suggest that suicide-prevention programming has a limited impact on help-seeking behavior. Although there was some evidence that suicide-prevention programs had a positive impact on students’ help-seeking attitudes and behaviors, there was also evidence of no effects or iatrogenic effects. Sex and risk status were moderators of program effects on students help-seeking. Conclusions: Caution is warranted when considering which suicidal prevention interventions best optimize the intended goals. The impact on adolescents’ help-seeking behavior is a key concern for educators and mental-health professionals.

Perceptions of a Peer Suicide Prevention Program by Inmates and Professionals Working in Prisons

Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Auzoult ◽  
Sid Abdellaoui
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Penal Institutions ◽  
Peer Suicide ◽  
Suicide Prevention Programs ◽  
Methods Of Suicide

Background: Suicide prevention is a major challenge for penal institutions in many countries. The traditional approach relies on the expertise of health professionals and is supplemented by the intervention of other professionals and the inmates themselves. New methods of suicide prevention based on peer support have been developed in recent years. Peer prevention programs rely on the ability of inmates to identify suicide risk. Aims: This study examines perceived suicide risk among inmates and explores possible explanations. Method: 54 inmates and 17 professionals working in prisons responded to a questionnaire. Results: The peer prevention program was found to change inmates’ expectations of support in the event of a suicide crisis. The study also found that the inmates involved in the program tended to underestimate the risk of suicide. The perception of the prevention program and the level of self-consciousness were found to account for the underestimation of suicide risk. Conclusions: Support for inmates involved in suicide prevention programs must take into account their isolation in prison. The training provided to inmates must also consider the biases affecting the assessment of risk.

Anxiety Disorders among Sexual and Gender Minority Populations

2020 ◽  
pp. 45-57
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Weiss ◽  
Bethany Owens Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Minority Stress ◽  
Minority Status ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minorities ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Literature Base ◽  
Current Assessment ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Minority Stress Model

Rates of anxiety disorders are significantly elevated among sexual and gender minorities. In this chapter, the minority stress model is discussed as a framework for conceptualizing anxiety among sexual and gender minorities, and the authors review the literature on the relationships between specific minority stressors and symptoms. The authors examine prevalence rates of anxiety disorders among sexual minorities and gender minorities, separately and in comparison to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Also reviewed is the literature on anxiety disorders among sexual and gender minorities with a racial or ethnic minority status. Current assessment and treatment approaches are identified and reviewed. Finally, limitations to the current literature base are discussed and recommendations are provided for future studies.

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